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Safety Tips: Traffic Crashes #1 Killers of Teens

It's true! Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens in America today! In Nebraska, teens and young adults make up only a small portion of drivers, but account for more than one third of all the traffic collisions and more than one fourth of all the traffic deaths!

In 2001, a large number of young adults ages 15-21 died as a consequence of injuries received in traffic crashes. Of those fatalities, a disproportionate number, i.e., 23 fatalities involved alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, even non-drinking teens are more likely to die or be injured on Nebraska roads than a more experienced driver! In 2001, young adults ages 15-21 who were NOT under the influence of alcohol accounted for 43 deaths in Nebraska alone! That's more than any other group of drivers (in 10 year age bracket)!

But there is good news! Teens and young adults can greatly increase their chances of surviving the drive by taking a few easy steps!

First, never drink and drive. And don't ride with a driver who has been drinking!

Second, always buckle your seat belt and the belts of all your passengers! Seat belts give you a 55% better chance of surviving a crash!

Third, limit distractions in your car! Keep the radio turned down, don't transport a car full of passengers - especially if you've been driving for less than a year - and leave the cell phone turned off!

Fourth, don't drive when you are tired, stressed, or angry - all of those things can take away from your focus, which must be on driving when you are driving!